Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-02-05

The President and His Critics.
The little discussion in the Senate on
Thursday between senator Morgan, OF
AlaImala, and Senator Plumb, Of Kansas
relative to civil service reform shows a
very Interesting condition of affairs. Sem
Rtor Morgan declared that the Demo-
cratic party represents more intelligence
at the present time than was ever before
represented in any political party In the
country, and that many OF the best men
of the Republican party are aotiRg VILE
II because 1t IL honest. iude-
pendent, outspoken and earnestly work
ing for tho good OF the whole country.
His remarks are calculated to create the
impression that the party is stronger now
than 1t ever was before, and that IL enjoys
to a greater extent the confidence OF the
people. There is only one thing about
which he is dissatisfied, and that Is that
the President doesn't ignore the ciyil ser"
vice reform and turn out of office all the
Republicans.
Senator Plumb has nothing to say
against the Democratic party, and agrees
with the Alabama Senator with respect to
the desra bility ofdismissing Republicans
from office, and filing their places with
Democrats. Although a Republican of
the most pronounced type, he doesn't
want Republicans retained In Office or
appointed to Office by Democratic ad-
ministration.
Why is II that Senator Morgan wants
the President to change his civil service
reform policy II the Democratic party. as
he says, is stronger and better aud more
popular than ever before? He says
that he believes thnt the Presid ent
imperiis the success Of the Democratic
party by permitting Its political enemies
TO remain in office. If this belief were
we'll founded why is it that senator Plumb
wants the Republican officials removed?
Is there not room for doubt about the
correctness OF Senator Norgan's belief?
He admits that never before was the
Democratic party so worthy Of confidence
as now, and that never before has it had
the confidence Of the country in so
marked degree. Is 1t not tsir to assume
that this confidence is based upon the in
tegrity OF the President and his clearly
indicated purpose to administer the lava
for the good of the whole country, ire
spective OF the wishes of the machine
politicians and OfIlce-seekers OF his own
party? The refOr in the civil service
was adopted by the aid OF both political
parties, and in obedience to the popular
will; and the Democratic party has the
confidence of the whole country, and is
drawing into its ranks the best elements
Of all parties, because, by the firmness
and courage of Democratic Admins
tratlon, it IS carrying out pledges which
are dstasteful to the political hacks, but
which are approved and applauded by the
people.
Senator Plumb and all the Republican
leaders would rejoice if the President
were TO ignore the spirit OF civil service
reform and rid the service Of every Re-
publican official. Such a course would
open the way Tor them to win the next
Presidential election. 1t would give them
thousands of active political workers who
are now worthless to them, because no
Republican officeholder will render his
party any service for fear that he will lose
his place. IL would drive away from the
Democratic party that intelligent element
which has lately become attached to it,
and to which Senator Morgan calls atten-
ton, because the very thing that attracts
that element would be gone. If the Presi-
dent were to do what Senator Morgan ard
Henry Watterson are urging MIN to do
the Republican leaders would rejoice, and
they do not hesitate to say so.
The President is wiser than Senator
Morgan, and 1t is probable that he is a
better politician than he is, or any other
Democrat who wants him to break his
pledges and abandon his civil service re-
form policy. He is 80 good a politician
in fact that even those who criticlse him
with the greatest harshness are forced to
admit that he will be renominated, and
is equivalent 10 re-
election.